Experiencing sustainability goals

Since September 2015, the "Agenda2030 for Sustainable Development" has been in existence under the title "Transforming our World: the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development". The Boutiquehotel Stadthalle, located not far from Vienna's Westbahnhof station, is rightly proud of its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. In 2009 the hotel was extended with a new building in passive house style. All the energy required here is generated in-house - with 130m2 solar panels, a 93m2 photovoltaic system and a groundwater heat pump. It has become the first zero-energy city hotel in the world and now the next highlight follows!

How can the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) be implemented in a hotel and thus be experienced by the guests? These and many other questions were asked by Ms Reitterer and her team. The SDGs and their goals and targets are interpreted in 17 rooms and in the breakfast room in a creative and innovative way. The Austrian Ecolabel met the Sales & Marketing Manager Maria Leifer for a local inspection to learn more.

SDG1 - Room "No poverty"

When entering the room, the large curtain stands out. All 17 sustainability goals are depicted on it several times. The gaze turns to the chandelier. On the one hand in a classic style, hung with crystals and soft silk. On the other hand, hung with stones and covered with packaging foil? "The chandelier is intended to emphasise the coexistence of rich and poor," explains Ms Leifer. Whereby the boundaries are fluid and people can very quickly drift into relative or absolute poverty.

SDG6 - Room "Clean water and Sanitation"

"In this room, attention is drawn to the importance of clean water", says Mrs. Leifer and opens the door enthusiastically. The bedspread and the picture on the wall already show the value of water. The Viennese water and its history, a success story that can no longer be imagined without. Three wine bottles hang from the ceiling and are still used as lamps.

For the detail-loving eye there is another wonderful design element next to the bed. If you look closer, you will recognize it. The bedside lamps are made from old bathroom fittings.

SDG17 - Room "Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development"

To achieve the goals, more teamwork, cooperation, understanding and commitment are needed. Be it on an international level up to the local level.
The SDG rooms were designed in cooperation with garbarage upcycling design, an association for the promotion of social and creative industries. Together into a sustainable future - shown here with a chairlift!

Outlook:Green Destinations for a More Sustainable World?

"Yes, absolutely!" smiles Ms. Leifer. "It takes these grand visions to achieve meaningful things." The advantages as Green Destinations are obvious. Green Destinations or Sustainable Destinations is the term used to describe a region, city or area that offers a holistic and more sustainable alternative to conventional tourism. Short distances and best infrastructure for example, offer a lot of potential for car alternatives. In the gastronomy a lot is already happening - keyword: biological and regional - and yet there is still a lot of air up there. The corona virus has drawn attention to many social problems. The impact of the virus on mass tourism has - among others - a "regenerative" effect and may serve as an impulse for a more resilient travel industry.
There is an interplay between accommodation and regional infrastructure. If the accommodation offers a "greener" option than commercial hotels, more people will come to use the bicycle or public transport in the city.
Whether with their own innovations or local-regional approaches, something needs to be done. The common understanding is that different problems need to be tackled all over the world and at the same time and should not be restricted to a specific region or theme. The universality of the Agenda means that all objectives apply to all countries. The responsibility for implementing the goals is therefore both domestic and international. And also in the tourism industry.
The boutique hotel Stadthalle serves as a model and we say thank you and wish you good luck for the further ideas and projects.